The Science, Art and Philosophy of Chiropractic

The Science, Art and Philosophy of Chiropractic 1

The chiropractic profession combines medically proven “Science, Philosophy and Art” that concerns itself with the relationship between a healthy functioning nervous system and the healthy functioning of the body in restoring balance within the body. It is a drugless, knifeless, natural and wholistic approach to relieve pain, restore health and even prolong life.

Just as other medical professionals do, Doctors of Chiropractic use state of the art methods of diagnosis including consultation; orthopaedic, neurological and physical examination; radiographic examination (x-rays) and other scanning technologies when needed. Your Doctor of Chiropractic is also trained to identify indications of disease and will consult and refer to other specialists or recommend additional medical procedures to provide optimal care.

Because of philosophical differences, many myths have been circulated about Chiropractic; however, Chiropractic is scientific and studies continue to confirm that Chiropractic is successful not only for back pain, but for many health complaints.

The Science:

Since its beginning, over 100 years ago, chiropractic has been based on the scientific and anatomical fact that the central nervous system (CNS) that includes your brain and spinal cord, is the “Master System” that controls and coordinates the function of every cell, tissue, organ, and system of your body such the glandular, reproductive, digestive, respiratory, circulatory and immune systems.

Your body is much like the Internet: your brain is your main frame computer protected by the skull; your spinal cord which is the information highway, is really just a long extension of the brain and is more vulnerable to injury; and your 24 moving spinal vertebrae are the protective housing in which the CNS sits. Emerging from the spinal cord, between the vertebrae, are the 32 pairs of peripheral spinal nerves that permeate the entire body. These peripheral nerves control sensory, motor and sympathetic functions like keeping your heart and lungs working even when you are asleep. The sympathetic system connects to all the arteries, veins and organs in your body.

When these vertebrae lose their normal motion or position, they can irritate the nervous system. This disrupts and interferes with the function of the tissues and/or organs that these nerves control. This condition is called "vertebral subluxation complex" (VSC). Chiropractic is the science of finding these areas of spinal malfunction and abnormal motion of vertebrae, the art of correcting them in order to remove nervous system interference and the philosophy of all things natural as we have been created.

The Art:

Chiropractors master the adjusting "art" of chiropractic which begins with a sensitive, highly skilled hands-on evaluation of the patient's spinal column. By "palpating" the spine; that is to say, touching the spine and musculature, Chiropractors are able to appreciate areas of muscle spasm and loss of spinal segmental motion. Through their hands chiropractors look for misplaced or fixated vertebrae which may be affecting nerves that travel through, and out of, the spinal cord into the muscles, organs, tissues and cells of your body. Also included is a detailed review of your health history, a comprehensive examination, ordering x-rays and other diagnostic imaging if indicated?

Upon your next visit which usually takes place within the first 24-48 hours of your consultation and examination, Dr. Pisarek will review with you the findings of your assessment, how it relates to any diagnostic imaging results, their correlation to your specific clinical impression (diagnosis) and a general prognosis as to the number of sessions and time period that it will take to correct your condition. The time period to correct your condition is based upon your work habits, type of work, age, previous history, and activity level.

While your type of condition may have been presented to your doctor several times in the past, you are unique in your own way. A recommended specific treatment plan customized for you will be presented in order to correct your health problem and restore normal spinal and joint function. Dr. Pisarek will also discuss with you whether your case will be accepted or not, and, make arrangements to initiate care to restore your health.

The recommended treatment plan includes specific spinal adjustments. An adjustment describes the many manual and mechanical ways and techniques of specific, carefully directed, and controlled pressure applied to restore subluxated (misaligned) spinal segments to a more normal position and range of motion, to reduce and free nervous system interference, aiding in increased flexibility, increased immunological function and increased life energy.

An adjustment is often combined with other natural therapeutic methods to facilitate healing. This may include any of the following: heat, cold, light, massage, electrical stimulation, ultrasound, low-level laser therapy, movement, stretching and strengthening exercises, and ancient techniques such as acupuncture, yoga, meditation and visualization.

Ultimately, the method of chiropractic adjustments are corrective in nature and differs from conventional medical practices of utilizing drugs, which commonly cover up the symptoms and may cause adverse chemical reactions. Chiropractic is a pro-active approach to your health. It addresses prevention of illness. The primary mechanism is the maintenance of a healthy nervous system.

Hundreds of techniques exist within the Chiropractic profession; the key is they all get results. Chiropractic is any technique used to free innate without interfering with the body's wisdom. Your total health and well being can be greatly enhanced by Chiropractic, a natural way in the alleviation of disease. The Chiropractic adjustment is truly an artistic expression!

The Philosophy:

Chiropractic philosophy recognizes that the power that created the body can heal the body - as long as there is no nervous system interference. Our health is ultimately under the controlling influence of the nervous system. It therefore, is of the highest order of importance that subluxations (spinal misalignments) of the spine be recognized as the primary health risk.

Chiropractic philosophy recognizes that doctors do not heal, but rather true healing comes from within you and is totally under the control of an internal force called “Innate”. From our present level of research and understanding, the quantity and quality of this innate life energy is transmitted and expressed through the nervous system. So, the main purpose of a Chiropractic adjustment is to reduce interference within the nervous system, putting the body in the correct environment, thereby facilitating the body's own ability to heal itself. The keystone of Chiropractic philosophy thus, is prevention.

Chiropractic philosophy tells us that a healthy, wholistically maintained body and lifestyle, free of spinal subluxations that may lead to primary health risks, will enjoy a long and prosperous life.

We are also of the belief that much of the medications and surgeries used in "modern" health care are unnecessary and often harmful. While Chiropractors are not against surgery and medications, we just feel they are overused on some occasions and that lifestyle habits are, generally speaking, a more important standard to monitor and maintain a healthy body.

Thus, the "wholistic" lifestyle is that of looking at the "whole" picture of person's life and lifestyle and what patients do; food, nutrition, stress, sleep, exercise, family, relaxation and finding a balance. Again, Chiropractic is not oblivious to the cancers, disease processes, accidents and such that can happen to anyone regardless of lifestyle and that would likely need some medical intervention. However, our essential philosophy is that of fewer drugs, less surgery and more wholistic thinking/lifestyle, which by definition, would include good nutrition, drinking plenty of ‘good’ water, no smoking, some daily exercise and stretching, staying out of excess sun exposure, etc.

A continuing schedule of regular chiropractic checkups can help detect, correct, and maintain optimum spinal and nervous system function. Find out how chiropractic care, combined with proper diet, exercise, and other aspects of good health and personal hygiene can enhance your well-being and help you enjoy life to the fullest. Ask Dr. Pisarek for a care program designed for your age, condition, and lifestyle.

Take time for your health. Don't wait until it's too late and you catch yourself saying, "if only I didn't wait". START NOW. Plan and live a healthy lifestyle. Call Dr. Pisarek at Advanced Healthcare, (416) 633-3000, for your chiropractic health assessment.

REFERENCES:

  1. Barge, F. H., Life Without Fear, Bawden Brothers Printing, Inc., 1990.
  2. Chapman-Smith, D., The Chiropractic Report, Vol. 2, No. 3, March, 1988.
  3. Gray, Henry, Gray's Anatomy; Anatomy of the Human Body, 30th edition, Lea and Febiger, edited by Charles Mayo Gross, M.D., Philadelphia, 1985.
  4. Haldeman, S., D.C., M.D., Modern Development in the Principles and Practice of Chiropractic, Appleton-Century-Crofts, 1980. Kirk, R., D.C.

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